DODGE COUNTY, WI — Severe storms caused damage across Dodge County Wednesday afternoon, prompting road closures, power outages, and warnings from local officials to avoid damaged areas.
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says one of the biggest concerns following the storms was in downtown Horicon, where significant damage was reported to the front of multiple brick buildings along Lake Street, which is also Highway 33.
Schmidt says commercial motor vehicles, semi traffic, and heavy equipment were not being allowed through Horicon because the portion of Highway 33 they are permitted to travel on was closed. Traffic control points were set up near Highways 26 and 33, as well as near Highways 33 and 67, to divert commercial traffic away from the area.
Schmidt says regular passenger vehicles may still be able to move through portions of Horicon, but commercial vehicles should avoid the city until the damaged buildings are secured.
The sheriff says crews from the fire department and street department were working to shore up the damaged buildings. At the time of the interview, officials expected the closure to remain in place for at least an hour or two.
Schmidt says it is too early to determine whether the damage in Horicon was caused by straight-line winds or a possible tornado.
“It is too early to tell right now,” Schmidt said. “But I can tell you it’s significant damage to the front of some brick buildings.”
Elsewhere in Dodge County, Schmidt says deputies and local crews were responding to reports of downed trees, power lines, and other storm-related hazards. He urged residents to stay away from damaged areas and let emergency responders and utility crews do their work.
“If you go near those things, you’re putting yourself in danger,” Schmidt said. “And if more of a hazardous situation is created because of something you’ve done, now you’ve made our jobs even more difficult.”
Schmidt also said there were reports of significant damage in the northeastern portion of the county. Early reports indicated that everyone appeared to be okay, but deputies were still checking the area.
In the Beaver Dam area, Daily Dodge newsroom staff reported roughly 800 Alliant Energy customers were without power following the storms. Reports from Fox Lake indicated that power was beginning to return for some residents there.
The storm damage also forced the cancellation of Beaver Dam’s Concert in the Park at Swan Park. The event had initially been moved to Beaver Dam High School because of weather concerns, but organizers later canceled the concert as the area dealt with storm cleanup and the threat of additional severe weather.
Schmidt reminded residents not to let their guard down, saying more storms were expected later Wednesday and again Thursday.
Residents are encouraged to keep multiple ways to receive weather alerts, monitor local updates, and avoid unnecessary travel through storm-damaged areas.
Daily Dodge & 95.3 WBEVwill continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: Sheriff Dale Schmidt says the most immediate concern remains in Horicon, where Highway 33, also known as Lake Street, is currently closed because of substantial damage to the fronts of multiple downtown buildings. Emergency crews are working to stabilize the structures before the roadway can safely reopen.
Commercial motor vehicles, including semis and heavy equipment, should not travel through Horicon at this time. Detours have been established for commercial traffic.
Officials are also responding to reports of significant storm damage in the Lomira area, along with numerous downed trees and power lines throughout Dodge County. Schmidt says deputies, highway crews, utility companies, fire departments, and public works personnel are working to identify hazards and restore normal conditions as quickly as possible.
Residents are asked to stay away from downed power lines, damaged structures, and emergency work zones. Officials say entering those areas can put people at risk and slow down response and recovery efforts.
Schmidt says it remains too early to determine whether the damage was caused by straight-line winds or a tornado. The National Weather Service is expected to conduct damage assessments in the coming days.
Additional rounds of storms are forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware, monitor alerts, and be prepared to take action if conditions worsen.
